The "Bo-Kaap" (or "Cape Malay Quarter" as it was
also known) is culturally and historically one of the most interesting
parts of Cape Town. Many of the inhabitants are decendants of people
from Indonesia (Batavia), Sri Lanka (Ceylon), India and Malaysia
amongst others, who, were captured in the 17th and 18th century and
enslaved by the Dutch East India Company (VOC). (An estimated 63000
slaves were imported between the mid 17th century and 19th century
which included people from Zanzibar, Madagascar, Angola and
Mocambique) The Cape Malays, their religious leaders, and other slaves
played an important role in the development of the language and
culture of the then Cape Colony. The Afrikaans language evolved as a
language of its own through a simplication of Dutch which enabled all
slaves to communicate with the Dutch and each other, since they all
came from different countries and cultures. The Cape Malays have
preserved much of their cultural and muslim identity to this day. The
restored and colourfully painted houses's architectural style is a
synthesis of Cape Dutch and Edwardian. Depicted above is a part of
Chiappinni Street which means a lot to me as my Father was born here
in 1907. I have walked this street on a few occasions wondering what
life must have been like here for him; as a child and a young man,
before moving from the area to marry my Mother in 1930.
*VIEW LARGE*
EXPLORE: OCTOBER 31, 2008 - #341
*** Follow this links for more Bo-Kaap:
www.flickr.com/photos/mooi_kiekies/3259192136/?edited=1
www.flickr.com/photos/mooi_kiekies/3247588778/
www.flickr.com/photos/mooi_kiekies/2998102635/in/set-7215...
www.flickr.com/photos/mooi_kiekies/2998031459/in/set-7215...
Mononc' Paul, m@®©ãǿ►ðȅtǭǹȁðǿr◄©, Green_Mamba, Ibleo, and 274 other people added this photo to their favorites.
View 20 more comments
unicorn 81 12 months ago | reply
fantastic view
clicnflic 3 months ago | reply
Fantastic photo! However, I really like how you also included some background information about the place it was taken. I think often this is not the case on this site, and I'm always curious about the stories and places behind each photograph. Do you include historical references often when you post things to this site? Do you find value in providing more information?
chris8800 2 months ago | reply
A great photo, seen and awarded in:
***Favorite NATURAL COLORS & LIGHTS
aguizubi 3 weeks ago | reply
Congratulations, I love